Is marketing a good major?

A:

Quick Answer

Majoring in marketing prepares students for a variety of career options in a secure and steadily growing industry. For students who enjoy the principles of marketing, it can be a good choice. As of 2014, PayScale ranked marketing 46th among majors most likely to see a return on investment.

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Students who major in marketing are often extroverts who enjoy interacting with businesses and consumers. Even marketing analyst careers involve strong communication skills, and many U.S. universities combine marketing and communications into a single department. It is common for marketing professionals to begin their careers in sales. Marketing is a good major for students who are comfortable competing in a fast-paced environment.

According to 2012 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marketing research analyst positions are expected to grow 41 percent from 2010 to 2020. Public relations positions are expected to grow 23 percent. Many marketing professionals aim to transition to marketing management. As of 2013, the national average wage for marketing managers was $133,700 per year.

Marketing leads to careers in public relations, advertising, research and related fields. Marketing majors may work for every type of business entity, from a corporation to a single celebrity to a non-profit organization. Thus, majoring in marketing allows students to tailor their future careers to individual interests and strengths.